Collapsible containers with exchangeable liners

ABSTRACT

A collapsible container having a novel exchangeable liner is described. The collapsible container system is comprised of a multi-shaped liner with a gasket, an outer bag and a cap. These components comprise a collapsible container device that is less expensive to produce and maintain than common collapsible containers such as the Platypus and Camelbak. The components also comprise a collapsible container that has a variety of shape possibilities unlike tube lined containers such as Playtex baby bottles.

CROSS REFERENCES

Fadal U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,119

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to collapsible containers having exchangeable liners. Specifically, this invention relates to a new type of multi-shaped collapsible container having an exchangeable liner system, which is less expensive to manufacture, more convenient to operate and seals more reliably than currently available collapsible containers.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELEVANT ART

There are three classes of liners currently used in lined containers and a fourth class cross referenced in Fadal U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,119. The instant invention seeks to teach a fifth liner class.

The first liner class is referred to herein as simple tube liners. Disposable baby bottle liners are an example of simple tube liners. Simple tube liners are blow molded and then heat sealed, a relatively inexpensive manufacturing process. These liners are employed in one of two ways. First, they may be employed by being stretched over the mouth of their container. This arrangement is depicted in Barr U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,570. Second, they may be employed by being stretched by a component of the container. This arrangement is depicted in Piazze U.S. Pat. No. 2,520,335. Although simple tube liners are inexpensive to manufacture, they require skill to reliably employ and may only assume a tubular shape.

The second liner class is referred to herein as blow molded liners with self supporting rims. These liner types are employed in Playtex baby bottle applications and are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,365. Like simple tube liners, they are relatively inexpensive to manufacture but may only assume a tubular shape. Unlike simple tube liners, these liners are reliably employed.

The third liner class is referred to herein as multi-shaped two piece liners with threaded closures (Mc liners). Mc liners are employed by commercially available containers such as the MSR Dromedary Bag, Camelbak Hydration System, Liquipak and Hydrocell. These containers unlike the tube liners above may be multi-shaped. Mc liners are manufactured by dye cutting two sheets of plastic. One of the sheets of plastic is then fitted with a threaded closure component and finally heat sealed to the second sheet of plastic forming an open bag. To seal the bag a threaded cap is screwed onto the threaded closure.

Although, Mc lined containers allow the user to enjoy container shapes other than tubes, they have the disadvantage of being more expensive than tube liners to manufacture. The extra expense is passed onto the consumer in several ways. First, the consumer purchases a more expensive container. Second, the consumer must incur the extra expense again when purchasing replacement liners. This extra cost tends to discourage consumers from using the containers as often as they might otherwise, or push them into reusing a potentially contaminated container.

The fourth class of liner is referred to herein as the Fadal liner. It is a multi-shaped two piece liner without a threaded closure. Not having a separate threaded closure reduces the cost of a Fadal liner compared to a Mc liner. However, the Fadal liner has two drawbacks. First, the Fadal liner requires skill to employ reliably. Second, the Fadal liner's seam crosses the seal of its corresponding container. The seam crossing the seal acts as an seal irregularity and consequently predisposes the container to leaks.

The fifth liner class taught herein as the instant invention is a multi-shaped liner with a gasket or Mg liner. Mg liners use a gasket rather than a threaded closure as part of its sealing means. Because gaskets are dye cut rather than injection molded, they are less expensive to manufacture than the threaded closures of Mc liners. As well, unlike the Fadal liner, the gasket of the Mg liner may be easily positioned in its respective container and thus provides a reliable sealing means.

The collapsible container device of the instant invention is comprised of a Mg liner, an outer container and a cap. These components comprise a collapsible container device that is less expensive to produce and maintain than collapsible containers such as the Platypus and Camelbak. The instant invention device may also be manufactured in a variety of shapes unlike the containers using simple tube and blow molded tubes with self supporting rim liners. Finally, the instant invention collapsible container device may be more reliable than Fadal lined containers.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:

To provide a collapsible liquid container that is less costly to manufacture.

To provide a collapsible liquid container that is less costly to maintain.

To provide a collapsible liquid container that is more convenient.

To provide a collapsible liquid container that is more sanitary.

To provide a collapsible liquid container that seals more reliably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1) FIG. 1A—perspective view of Mg liner bottom piece before dye cut

2) FIG. 1B—perspective view of Mg liner top piece before dye cut.

3) FIG. 1C—top view of Mg liner bottom piece after dye cut.

4) FIG. 1D—top view of Mg liner top piece after dye cut and after gasket is attached.

5) FIG. 1E—top view of Mg liner after the top and bottom piece are sealed together.

6) FIG. 1F—perspective view of Mg liner.

7) FIG. 2A—perspective view of collapsible bag pieces before dye cut.

8) FIG. 2B—perspective view of cap and threaded neck.

9) FIG. 2C—perspective view of collapsible bag

10) FIG. 2D—perspective view of outer container

11) FIG. 3A—cross section of cap.

12) FIG. 3B—cross section of threaded neck.

13) FIG. 4—cross section of cap and outer container sealing area.

14) FIG. 5—cross section of assembled collapsible liquid container.

DESCRIPTION

In the proceeding discussion, the case was made for a less costly, more reliable, more convenient and more sanitary multi-shaped collapsible liquid container.

Referring to the figures, wherein the showings therein are for the purpose of illustrating a typical embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same. FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of collapsible container 70. Collapsible container 70 is comprised of outer container 45, Mg liner 5 and cap 38. FIG. 5A depicts modified closure 37 an alternate to cap 38, which provides a dispensing means for outer container 45. FIG. 5B depicts closure 39 and modified cap 33, another alternate to cap 38. When closure 39 and modified cap 33 are engaged they provide a dispensing means for outer container 45.

FIG. 1 shows Mg liner 5 is comprised of top piece 8, gasket 16 and bottom piece 4. Top piece 8 and bottom piece 4 are made of any suitable water proof material. Top piece 8 and bottom piece 4 are heat sealed, ultrasonically sealed or adhesive sealed at seam 28 so as to form a leak proof water tight bag. Gasket 16 is comprised of any suitable gasket material, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, vinyl, latex and the like. Gasket 16 is sealed around opening 10 of top piece 8. Gasket 16 includes cut outs 15.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show outer container 45 is comprised of an engagement between threaded neck 40, and collapsible bag 42. Collapsible bag 42 may be formed from two dye cut sheets of material 34 sewn together, heat sealed, ultrasonically sealed, adhesive sealed or otherwise connected at seam 46.

FIG. 3B shows threaded neck 40 has three functional areas, a threaded portion 41, a connecting portion 43 and an shelf area 62. Threaded neck 40 may be made of any suitable water proof material such as wood, glass, plastic, nylon etc. The threaded portion 41 is adapted to engage a corresponding threaded portion of cap 38, modified closure 37 or modified cap 33. Connecting portion 43 is adapted to engage mouth area 47 and neck area 44 of collapsible bag 42. This engagement may be a heat seal, ultra sonic seal, sewn attachment, adhesive attachment, or otherwise affixed. Shelf area 62 is adapted to support gasket 16 of Mg liner 5 by providing a surface for gasket 16 to lie upon. Shelf 62 has posts 64, which are adapted to engage cut outs 15 of gasket 16, thereby positioning gasket 16 on shelf 62.

FIG. 3A shows cap 38 has two functional areas comprising threads 58 and seal 56. Cap 38 is adapted to sandwich gasket 16 of Mg liner 5 between seal 56 and shelf 62 forming a water tight seal.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B shows modified closure 37 and modified cap 33 respectively. Modified closure 37 and modified cap 33 are adapted exactly as cap 38 having a threaded area to engage threaded neck 40 and a seal functioning as seal 56. Modified closure 37 may include a push/pull or any of the many other commonly employed dispensing means. FIG. 5B depicts closure 39. Closure 39 is a closure that may engage modified cap 33, thereby providing a dispensing means for modified cap 33 of outer container 45.

Operations

The figures depicting the instant invention are for the purpose of illustrating a typical embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same. FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of collapsible container 70. It can be seen that bottom piece 8 of Mg liner 5 is inserted into open end 61 of threaded neck 40. Mg liner 5 is eventually inserted completely within outer container 45 except for gasket 16. Next, as depicted in FIG. 4, gasket 16 is positioned on top of shelf 62 so that posts 64 of threaded neck 40 protrude through cuts outs 15. Once the posts 64 and cut outs 15 are engaged, gasket 16 is fixed in position on shelf 62.

Mg liner 5 may be made of relatively thin water tight sheet plastic and therefore in isolation, is susceptible to rupture. However Mg liner 5 is prevented from rupturing once within outer container 45. Outer container 45's dimensions are smaller in every dimension than Mg liner 5. Thus, once inside outer container 45, Mg liner 5 is prevented from over expanding by the dimensional limits and strength of outer container 45.

FIG. 4 depicts seal 56 of cap 38 engaging gasket 16 fixed on shelf 62 by posts 64. Once cap 38 is threaded onto threaded neck 40, a water-tight seal is formed as gasket 16 is sandwiched between seal 56 and shelf 62, completing the assembly of collapsible container 70. The device may be accessed by removing cap 38. Alternatively as depicted in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B respectively, modified closure 37 or modified cap 33 and closure 39 may be substituted for cap 38 to provide alternate dispensing means.

Only one possible means for positioning gasket 16 on shelf 62 is depicted in the drawings; cut outs 15 and posts 64. Any suitable friction means may be employed including but not limited to, snapping the gasket into place inside open end 61, utilizing a groove engagement, or utilizing a simple friction engagement.

SUMMARY RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

The objects and advantages of this instant invention are to provide a new collapsible liquid container device, which is less expensive to produce and maintain than Mc lined containers, and has a variety of shape possibilities unlike tube liners. The unique features of the instant invention's Mg liner, threaded neck and cap accomplish the objects and advantages described in this application. Therefore the novel instant invention promises to be a successful commercial product

There are multiple features not described previously in this application that merit mention. The instant invention is well suited for practically all markets where liquids are consumed. It has the advantage of being collapsible when stored or shipped, unlike other containers that require just as much space empty as full.

The outer container of my device may have pockets, snaps, rings, buttons, straps, or other like additions aiding the marketing but not changing the scope of the invention. It may double as a storage device for trash or other valuables when empty. It may assume the character of a puppet or stuffed animal.

The instant invention is well suited for storing liquids when sanitation is poor such as poverty stricken areas, remote locations or during emergency situations. The container may be insulated against radiation, conduction or convection either by using a removable insulator between the liner and collapsible bag or by fashioning an insulated liner or collapsible bag directly. The collapsible bag may be made of wicking materials to aid evaporation keeping the contents cooler.

Two liners may be employed at once to create a double liner in which water added to the first liner could be frozen before the second liner was put in place and used.

Furthermore, the instant device may double as a heating pad, gun rest, back brace, or floatation device. It may function as the first soft baby bottle.

The opening of the threaded neck may be sized so as to readily adapt to commercial ice and soda dispensers found in convenient stores and other businesses and residencies.

Various other closures may be substituted for closure 39, including screw type closures associated with Gatorade closures, as well as a host of other commercially available closures such as snap on closures.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A collapsible container comprising, in combination: a collapsible bag member having a mouth and neck area adapted to receive a threaded neck connecting portion; and a liner member having a top piece adapted to bond to a gasket, and a bottom piece adapted to seal to said top piece; and a threaded neck member, said threaded neck member comprising: a connecting portion having a connecting means adapted to receive said mouth and neck area of said collapsible bag; a shelf area having an engaging means adapted to stabilize said gasket; an upper threaded portion adapted to engage a cap member threaded portion; and a cap member having a threaded portion; and a seal adapted to compress said gasket to said shelf area of said threaded neck.
 2. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said cap member is a dispensing closure modified to include said seal.
 3. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said cap member is adapted to engage a separate dispensing closure.
 4. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said shelf engaging means is posts adapted to engage said gasket.
 5. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said shelf connecting means is friction adapted to engage said gasket.
 6. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said shelf engaging means is grooves adapted to engage said gasket.
 7. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said shelf engaging means is snaps adapted to engage gasket.
 8. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said threaded neck connecting means adapted to engage said mouth and neck area of collapsible bag is sewing stitches.
 9. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said threaded neck connecting means adapted to engage said mouth and neck area of collapsible bag is Velcro.
 10. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said threaded neck connecting means adapted to engage said mouth and neck area of collapsible bag is adhesives.
 11. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said threaded neck connecting means adapted to engage said mouth and neck area of collapsible bag is heat sealing.
 12. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said threaded neck connecting means adapted to engage said mouth and neck area of collapsible bag is ultrasonic welding.
 13. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said collapsible bag is one piece of fabric.
 14. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said collapsible bag is water proof.
 15. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said collapsible bag is one or piece of material.
 16. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said shelf is receded below the rim of said upper threaded portion of said threaded neck.
 17. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said shelf is even with the rim of said upper threaded portion of threaded neck.
 18. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said liner is larger than collapsible container.
 19. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said liner is round.
 20. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said liner is flat until open by pulling said gasket of said top piece and said bottom piece away from each other.
 21. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said liner bottom piece includes a gripping means adapted to facilitate pulling said liner open.
 22. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said liner is composed of at least one piece of material and said gasket.
 23. A gripping means according to claim 21, wherein said gripping means is a tab.
 24. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said collapsible container may include two liners employed at the same time.
 25. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said collapsible bag may include an insulating layer between said collapsible bag and said liner.
 26. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said cap member engages a dispensing hose.
 27. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said collapsible container threaded neck and said cap may adapt to receive ice and beverages efficiently from commercial ice and beverage dispensing machines.
 28. A liner having a top piece, adapted to engage a gasket and a bottom piece adapted to seal to said top piece forming a bag for use in said collapsible container. 